The Dream Begins

by Catrin Collier

  ‘Shall we start upstairs, Mr Thomas? Sonya?’ Alexei bounded up the sweeping staircase.

  ‘Excuse me, Madam.’ Huw followed at a sedate pace.

  ‘If you’ve any sense you’ll flatten the place.’ Nicholas Beletsky sniffed. ‘It’s damp and rotting. I can smell it. Your father should have demolished this place when he built the new house fifty years ago.’ He eyed the dirt on the marble floor, touched the wall, and rubbed the fingers of his gloved hand together. ‘It’s filthy.’

  ‘So would you be if you’d been left to moulder for twenty years. My father didn’t demolish this house because he thought my stepbrother could make use of it.’

  ‘You mean he didn’t want the drunk living with him.’

  Catherine ignored the comment. There was no denying her stepbrother Sergei, the product of her stepmother’s disastrous first marriage, had been a drunk, but she wished Nicholas would refrain from mentioning the fact. For all Sergei’s faults she’d liked him when he’d been sober. Even as a child she’d sensed her father and stepmother’s relief whenever Sergei left the Donbas for Moscow or St Petersburg. Trips that invariably resulted in his return sooner than hoped for, always the worse for wear financially, and frequently physically,.

  Alexei descended the stairs with Sonya and Huw. ‘The bedrooms aren’t too bad, Grandmother.’

  ‘Mr Thomas?’ Catherine asked Huw.

  ‘All the rooms need cleaning and decorating, and the roof needs repairing. A few small leaks have resulted in damp patches in the corners of some of the rooms. But nothing appears too serious. I agree with Alexei, Madam. This house could be made serviceable and given the generous size of the rooms and their light and airy aspect, very comfortable.’

  Alexei opened the double doors that led into the drawing room. He left footprints in the dust on the wooden floor. The furniture was shrouded in calico, the marble hearth, ash strewn. He pulled back one of the sheets to reveal a brass-inlaid mahogany table. ‘This looks solid.’

  ‘Apart from being old fashioned it probably is.’ Catherine walked in behind him. ‘Few pieces were taken to the new mansion. My father wanted everything new; house, furniture, hangings, linen, dinner service, even silverware, so he left this place furnished for Sergei. Seeing everything shrouded like this is odd. I feel as though I’m lost in a nightmare. An abandoned child waiting for my parents to return to bring the house back to life.’

  ‘I remember coming here with you when the steward lived here.’ Alexei lifted another sheet to reveal a carved gilded chair upholstered in green velvet. The cloth was blotched by dark patches of mould.

  ‘The poor man didn’t stay long. He said the rooms were too big to heat in winter and to clean in summer when the dust storms blow. Alexei, go to the kitchens and bring Yelena and Praskovia here, please.’

  ‘Not the Razins,’ Nicholas snapped.

  ‘Nicholas, forget this ridiculous prejudice you have against Yelena and Praskovia.’ Catherine spoke in French, a language she knew Huw wasn’t conversant with. ‘If I’m going to rent or sell this house to one of Mr Hughes’s managers, Yelena will make the perfect cook and Praskovia an excellent housekeeper. They have a right to comment on any restoration. Fetch them, Alexei.’

  Alexei returned a few minutes later with the two women, Pyotr, and Yelena’s brother, Feodor, who maintained most of the houses in Alexandrovka and built the few new ones that were needed.

  ‘What do you think of the house, Yelena?’ Catherine asked.

  ‘The kitchens and servants’ quarters need cleaning and painting, Madam. The stove is sound, although it needs a good scrub with a wire brush.’

  ‘Everything could do with a good scrub, but not necessarily with a wire brush,’ Catherine concurred.

  ‘The staff quarters and store rooms are dry, the ice house cool and watertight, but the stables and banya need work, Madam.’

  ‘You know your grandmother was cook here in my father’s day, Yelena?’

  ‘I remember visiting her here, Madam.’

  ‘Would you like to take her place as cook and work here for the new occupants?’

  ‘And live here, Madam?’

  ‘In the servants’ quarters with Praskovia and Pyotr. The three of you won’t be able to manage on your own but you could hire people to help you, provided the new tenants or owners agree. Praskovia is old enough to take the position of housekeeper and Pyotr can do the heavy work and care for the horses. I’m sure you and Praskovia will be able to bring the place back to its former glory.’

  ‘After the necessary repairs have been made to the roof and windows, certainly, Madam,’ Yelena agreed. ‘But our own house …’

  ‘If you’re prepared to consider renting it, Mrs Razin, the New Russia Company would be delighted to use it to accommodate company employees,’ Huw interrupted.

  Yelena looked at Praskovia.’

  Thinking of the income, Praskovia said, ‘You can have it as soon as we’ve taken out our personal possessions, Mr Thomas.’

  ‘Thank you, Praskovia.’

  Catherine turned to Yelena’s brother. ‘What will it take to restore this house, Feodor?’

  ‘Paint, paper, lead, new roof tiles to replace the broken ones; wood and glass to repair the windows, and a great many hours of labour, Madam. You’ll need an expert carpenter but Nathan Kharber is back.’

  ‘He went to Paris to study medicine, not carpentry.’

  ‘He did.’

  ‘But now he’s working as a carpenter?’

  Feodor was too embarrassed to continue. Alexei wasn’t.

  ‘Nathan lacks paying patients, Grandmother.’

  Nicholas burst out laughing. ‘A Jewish doctor. Whoever heard of such a thing? Does he really expect people to consult him?’

  ‘I don’t see why not.’ Alexei wanted to say more in Nathan’s defence, but was afraid of arousing his father’s curiosity as to where he’d acquired the information. If his father suspected his friendship extended to the Jewish as well as Cossack community he’d definitely lock him up.

  ‘I suppose the Jews might trust him,’ Nicholas conceded. ‘But as they have no money it’s no surprise he’s returned to his father’s trade. Surely he didn’t expect things to have changed so much under this “progressive Tsar” Russia’s been cursed with, that Jews would be entrusted with the health of Russians?’

  Supressing her anger with Nicholas, Catherine changed the subject. ‘How much will it cost to renovate the house, Feodor?’

  ‘At least a thousand roubles for materials and labour, Madam. I won’t be able to give you a definite figure until I’ve completed my survey.’

  ‘A thousand roubles!’ Nicholas exclaimed. ‘My butler doesn’t earn that much in five years.’

  ‘Your butler has his living expenses and livery paid for,’ Catherine said. ‘It’s what I expected. A year’s pay for a miner, and given the number of people that can be accommodated in this house, a tenth of its value if I sell and two years’ rent if I lease. Come to the Dower House as soon as you have a detailed estimate, Feodor. I won’t hold you to it until you’ve had time to study the damage but roughly how long will it take you to complete the renovation?’

  ‘If the right craftsmen are available and there are no surprises hidden in the roof, under the floors, or behind the plasterwork, about three weeks, Madam.’

  ‘Is that acceptable, Mr Thomas?’

  ‘I’m not expecting Mr Hughes and his party to arrive before the end of the month, Madam.’

  ‘If they do, we’ll have to find them temporary lodgings in your house or mine, Nicholas.’ Catherine saw Nicholas’s mouth open and continued before he could begin another tirade. ‘Hire as many men as can work together without getting in one another’s way, Feodor. Begin in the servants’ quarters so Yelena, Praskovia, and Pyotr can move in as soon as possible.’

  ‘I will. Thank you, Madam.’

  ‘Then it’s settled. Hopefully the renovations will be completed by the time Mr Hughes and his party arri
ve, Mr Thomas.’

  ‘Thank you for your concern, Madam. Finding sufficient accommodation is not going to be easy given the delays in the manufacture of bricks. If you’ve no objection, I’ll move in here myself as soon as a suitable room can be made ready. I or rather the company will pay you rent until a sale is agreed. This is so much more comfortable than my room behind the site office.’

  ‘I’d be delighted to have you as a tenant, Mr Thomas. I’m sure Praskovia and Yelena will look after you.’

  ‘Thank you. Please, let me know when it’s convenient for me to move in. Excuse me, Madam, Count, Miss Sonya. I have a meeting with the German contractor. Alexei, I’ll see you in the office?’

  ‘Thank you for sparing the time to look at this house, Mr Thomas.’ Catherine shook Huw’s hand.

  ‘Considering the shortage of decent houses in the area, it’s conceivable John Hughes might want this house for himself until he can build a better one,’ Nicholas said as Huw rode away.

  ‘Mr Hughes has accepted my offer to reside at the Dower House. Nicholas.’

  Nicholas was astounded. ‘When was this arranged?’

  ‘Before Mr Hughes and Mr Edwards left for St Petersburg.’

  ‘Where will you go?’

  ‘I’m not moving out.’

  ‘You don’t have the staff to cater for long-term guests at the Dower House.’

  ‘Which is why Mr Hughes will be bringing his own with him. The South Wing has a separate kitchen and entrance; it’s taken very little organizing to make that section of the house self-contained.’ Catherine turned to Yelena. ‘Would you and Praskovia please begin by removing the dust covers and listing the contents of every room so I can check there’s nothing here I want and it really is fully furnished.’

  ‘I’ll look in the study as I’m here. There may be something that Olga or I might find useful.’ Nicholas went to the door. ‘List all the books, paintings, and sculptures as well as the furniture, Praskovia. Don’t forget to note their condition.’

  ‘Yes, sir.’ Praskovia acknowledged.

  ‘Looking at this place, Catherine, you should sell it. If you rent it you may well find yourself facing a bill of another thousand roubles next year,’ Nicholas advised.

  ‘I’ll only sell if I receive a reasonable offer. Don’t forget, Nicholas, I’m a poor widow. Additional income would be useful,’ Catherine watched him uncover a painting and check the artist’s signature.

  ‘Your husband left you well provided for, Catherine.’

  ‘He also left me many expenses. Mr Hughes’s contribution to my finances will be very welcome. The upkeep of the Dower House is not inconsiderable. There’s also the maintenance of the roads to the village and shtetl …’

  ‘Which is not down to you.’

  ‘We all use the roads, Nicholas, even you, although you contribute nothing. Sometimes I think you forget our prosperity is linked to that of our neighbours. I look forward to receiving the lists of the house contents, Praskovia. Let me know what you’ve taken, Nicholas. Take me to my carriage please, Alexei, Sonya.’

  ‘Grandmother.’ Alexei offered her his arm.

  ‘Yelena, Praskovia, Pyotr, would you like me to convey you back to the village?’

  ‘There are hours of daylight left,’ Praskovia took an apron from her pocket. ‘We’ll begin making the lists. Uncle Feodor will drive us home in his cart, but thank you for the offer, Madam.’

  ‘You have paper and pencil?’ Alexei asked Praskovia.

  ‘Uncle Feodor does. I’ll borrow what I need from him.’

  ‘I’ll see you back at the house this evening, Alexei.’ Nicholas returned from the study. ‘Don’t be late. Father Theodore will be waiting to give you your lesson in theology. Catherine, a word before you go. There are books I’d like to remove to my own library.’ Nicholas glanced at his son. ‘Isn’t Mr Thomas waiting for you?’

  ‘I’ll see you tomorrow at lunch, Alexei?’ Catherine offered her grandson her cheek.

  Alexei took the hint, kissed his grandmother, said goodbye to Praskovia and Sonya, and whistled to the groom to bring his horse.

  Nicholas waited for Catherine to enter the study; he followed and closed the door, shutting out Sonya, Praskovia, and Yelena.

  ‘I’d forgotten my father ordered a door put into the back wall of his study that gave direct access to the kitchen and servants’ quarters.’

  ‘Wine cellar, you mean,’ Nicholas corrected.

  ‘My father was fond of his burgundy, but I think he had the door put in for the sake of convenience to his steward’s office, which was off the corridor behind this room.’ Catherine walked to the door and opened it. ‘Strange how returning here has brought so many memories flooding back. Happy memories. I had a wonderful childhood.’

  ‘Your father was a singularly indulgent man.’

  ‘If by that you mean he knew how to enjoy life and make the lives of other people pleasant, I agree. Which books do you want?’

  ‘I’ll let you know when I see the list. Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing, Catherine.’ He went to the window and watched Alexei mount his house.

  ‘What do you think I’m doing, Nicholas?’

  ‘Don’t play the innocent with me.’

  ‘I wouldn’t dream of it, Nicholas, but I would like to know what you’re accusing me of.’

  ‘Alexei is infatuated with that … that … Cossack and you approve.’

  ‘Cossack? You mean Praskovia?’

  ‘Precisely. You throw them together every chance you get. You offer her and her family employment. You were instrumental in procuring the girl’s mother the job of Alexei’s wet nurse. Olga would never have thought of taking Yelena into my household if you hadn’t suggested it.’

  ‘If I was responsible for securing Yelena as Alexei’s wet nurse, it was before Praskovia was born. You can hardly blame me for throwing her and Alexei together before she was even in her mother’s womb. Alexei needed playmates …’

  ‘He has his brothers,’ Nicholas interrupted.

  ‘He’s your eldest son and had no brothers when he arrived. Yelena’s son Misha was the same age.’

  ‘It’s not Misha I’m talking about, it’s Praskovia.’

  ‘Alexei regards her as a younger sister.’

  ‘Really, Catherine, do you think I’m stupid?’

  ‘You can’t expect me to answer that question with any degree of honesty, Nicholas.’

  Nicholas’s face darkened. ‘I’ve seen the way Alexei looks at the girl and the way she looks at him.’

  ‘So have I, and all I’ve seen is affection. Alexei thinks no more of Praskovia than he does of Misha.’

  ‘Rubbish! And, he can’t think anything of Misha when the boy’s in St Petersburg.’

  ‘Out of sight doesn’t mean out of mind. Five of your sons are in Allenstein. Do you never think of them because they don’t live with you?’

  ‘They’re family.’

  ‘Misha is Alexei’s friend.’

  ‘And Sonya?’

  ‘What about Sonya?’

  ‘You’re not doing her any favours keeping her with you. She’s developing a taste for a life and society she wasn’t born into and isn’t entitled to experience.’

  ‘She’s my stepbrother’s child.’

  ‘Possibly, possibly not, given Sergei’s indiscriminate habits and the low women he consorted with. I’ve always had doubts as to the girl’s paternity but one fact is inescapable: you’re getting on, Catherine.’

  ‘Now you’re reminding me of my age. A most ungallant thing for a gentleman to do to a lady.’

  ‘Instead of taking offence at what I say, don’t you think it’s time you thought of the girl? It’s commendable you took her in considering her antecedents, but whether she’s Sergei’s child or not, she’s undeniably illegitimate and for all you know the spawn of some other profligate. Her mother was a dancer.’

  ‘A dancer with the Imperial Russian Ballet.’

  ‘Imperial
whores, more like. Hired for their looks and expected to sleep with aristocrats. Every one I’ve met had the morals of a farmyard cat.’

  ‘The voice of experience, Nicholas?’

  Nicholas refused to take Catherine’s bait. ‘You gave the girl a home when her mother died. You educated her with a view to her having to earn her own living, now it’s time for her to do just that. If you don’t know of any families who require a governess, I can put you in touch with several.’

  ‘Sonya has a job. She’s my companion.’

  ‘If you moved out of the Dower House and into the Beletsky Mansion you wouldn’t need a companion.’

  ‘Nicholas, we both know we could never survive beneath the same roof for a day, so let’s not pretend otherwise. I need Sonya’s companionship and she will continue to live with me.’

  ‘As long as you understand you’re harming the girl by allowing her to mix with people above her station. When she becomes a governess …’

  ‘Sonya’s future is my concern, Nicholas.’

  ‘My God, you don’t intend to leave the girl any money … surely you’ve made a will in my or at least Olga’s favour …’

  ‘You and Olga inherited fifty per cent of my late husband’s estate, Nicholas. Aren’t you content with that much?’

  ‘You received as much …’

  ‘It’s mine, to dispose of as I wish, Nicholas. Good day.’ Catherine opened the door.

  Nicholas hadn’t finished. ‘You’ve persuaded Alexei to stay here instead of accompanying me to St Petersburg.’

  ‘It appears the boy is more interested in John Hughes’s and Huw Thomas’s plans than your lessons in aristocratic superiority.’

  ‘I can’t force Alexei to come with me.’ Nicholas’s grey eyes turned to steel. ‘But I’ve employed Father Theodore to give the boy a thorough grounding in theology. I’ve also instructed him to keep the boy in his sight at all times after I leave and ordered him to sleep in Alexei’s room. Across the doorway.’

  ‘Do you really think that necessary?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Aren’t you being paranoid, Nicholas?’

  ‘It’s my way of ensuring the boy doesn’t go tomcatting at night. I’ll have no Cossack brats in my family, legitimate or otherwise.’